DIY Manicure

Nails are hot this season and a key accessory for any beauty addict. 
Treating yourself to a luxurious professional manicure isn't always convenient and can be time consuming. So, if like me your short on time or can't quite scrap that extra cash for your weekly salon visit here is a great DIY mani suitable for even the nail novice to pull off.

Remove all traces of old polish and check the nails for ridges. I use Tesco's own nail polish remover at £1.20 for 250 ml this is a complete bargain and does the job just as good as the slightly more expensive products.

Cut your nails to shape if required and use an emery board to achieve your desired shape. My personal choice and absolute fave is square. 
When filing remember to always file each side alternatively and quickly, from the outside inwards along the free edge.

*Tip: Avoid using a sawing action as this disturbs the layers of the nail plate and produces heat which results in the natural oils drying out, causing the nail plate to split and separate.
Asda do some fab funky emery boards which are one of my many beauty obsessions! 

Using a cuticle stick apply cuticle cream around your cuticles and gently massage. Cuticle cream is used to soften and nourish the cuticle making it more pliable and allowing it to be pushed back with ease. It also replaces natural oils lost due to exposure to drying elements.

*Tip: Cuticle and orange sticks must always be tipped with cotton wool. For stubborn cuticles try soaking your hands in warm water. This will result in your cuticles being super soft and easier to push back. Avons Nail Experts Cuticle Balm never fails to let me down.

Once both hands are thoroughly dry use a hoof stick tipped with cotton wool to gently push back the cuticle. The stick should be pressed flat to the nail plate and used in circular motions to prevent damage to the matrix (the only living reproducing part of your nail). 

Massage hand lotion into your hands. I personally do this immediately after cuticle work and prior to enameling for extra moisture and hydration. I use Soap & Glory Hand Food. This is a non greasy hydrating lotion that smells absolutely gorgeous!

Remove any excess oil with a damp cloth. It is important to ensure that there is no grease left on the nail plate which will create a barrier and prevent enamel adhering to the nail.

*Tip: Although it may be convenient to use cotton wool soaked in enamel remover this will only dehydrate the nail. Warm water is a great alternative and less harsh.

Apply your base coat. This has many benefits from preventing pigments in the nail enamel from staining the nail plate to filling any groves and ridges creating a smooth base for application.

I personally love and swear by Sally Hansen products when it comes to both base and top coats.

Apply your choice of varnish in three clean strokes. I always find it easier to start with one strip of polish down the center of my nail.

*Tip: There are two different types of enamel: cream and frosted. When using the cream variety two applications should be applied where as the frosted should have three applications.

I love this seasons hot vibrant colours and as always NARS never let me down when it comes to statement colours.

  

Apply a top coat. This should be applied to cream enamel only as frosted enamel doesn't require the added lustre of a top coat.

A top coat is applied to protect the enamel from chipping and prolong its life. It also adds a high gloss professional shine to cream enamel.

And there you have it! A fab DIY manicure suitable for even the newest of beauty addicts.